Obituary of Irene Kelley

Irene Kelley was born on November 17, 1932 to the union of Mary Estelle Ivie and John Herman Bailey in Trenton, Tennessee.  She had 3 brothers: James, William, and Lance as well as a sister, Demetrius.  All have preceded her in death.  She accepted  Christ at an early age, becoming a member of Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church after the family moved to Dyersburg, Tennessee.

The family then moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she first joined Second Baptist church under the direction of the late Reverend Mabry Gardner.  Later, she became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and remained there for the rest of her life.

She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School where she first met her future husband, Robert Alexander Kelley, who preceded her in death.  Their union on April 7, 1953 lasted 56 years and produced 3 children: Robynn Kelley, Denver, CO; John (Stephanie) Kelley, of Kalamazoo; and Patricia Harris also of Kalamazoo who survive her. She was employed as a dietary supervisor at Borgess Medical Center and retired after 30 years of faithful service.  She was an avid league bowler who was recognized city and state-wide for the teams she brought together to compete.  She also loved fishing and watching countless varieties of televised sporting events. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her children; 6 grandchildren: Nikkea, Sahmiea, Angelica, La'Teishia, Mycal, and Jonathan; 9 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and young persons she gathered in along her journey through Life.